CMH_Economic_Mobility_Report_Concept_FINAL

A deep dive into the needs of Spanish-speaking lower-income residents regarding housing revealed unmet needs and inspired corresponding strategies to address them. Research indicates that to elevate this community and boost economic mobility, residents must be met where they are, establishing a foundation of trust through well-curated strategies. HOUSING STRATEGIES & ACTIONS

CITY OF MORGAN HILL HOUSING PROGRAM PILLARS JOBS SPOTLIGHT Affordable Housing and Homelessness is one of the City of Morgan Hill’s five strategic priorities. Like many other cities in the Bay Area, Morgan Hill is experiencing transformative growth and working to meet the housing needs of its current and future residents.

The City’s three strategies and twelve actions around Housing are centered on education leading to empowerment, the creation of more affordable housing and housing resources (called assets), and the idea of redefining affordable housing as an asset that will benefit the Community’s goals to attract and retain jobs, battle homelessness, and improve quality of life for all.

THE CITY’S HOUSING PROGRAM IS GROUNDED ON FIVE KEY PILLARS:

STRATEGY 3.A:

EMPOWER RESIDENTS: BUILDING HOUSING KNOWLEDGE AND ACCESS Create user-friendly marketing and increase promotion of housing resources. Build a network of trusted messengers (“promotores”) to connect with, inform, and engage the Spanish speaking community. 29 30

Production

Promotion

Preservation

Prevention

Quality of Life

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Work with apartment managers to build relationships with community.

Production of New Housing Inventory Diversify the housing stock

Promotion of Housing Programs Community Engagement and Messaging

Preservation of Existing Housing Stock

Prevention of homelessness

For new and existing residents

Housing Problem Solving

STRATEGY 3.B:

STRATEGY 3.C:

INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ASSETS

BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND FOSTER INCLUSIVITY BY REDEFINING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Production of New Affordable Housing Units: Improve, preserve, and develop new safe, quality, rental and ownership housing for residents at all income levels. The City’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance assists the City with the production of income-restricted units. Promotion of Housing Program: The City manages an inventory of Below-Market-Rate deed restricted units and collaborates with the County of Santa Clara and local non-profits to connect residents to resources and elevate the voices of marginalized communities with lived experience. Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing Inventory: The City has a robust inventory of Below-Market-Rate, income-restricted housing units.

Prevention of Homelessness: The work program for homeless prevention is focused on non-profit organizations and problem solving at the local level. It includes increasing coordination with the County of Santa Clara, faith-based communities, non-profits, and service providers to offer resources and referrals. The primary goal is to prevent people from becoming homeless through proactive and responsive outreach and engagement as we strive to build a foundation of trust and dignity. Protection of Quality of Life for New and Existing Neighborhoods: The City will continue to seek quality development and balance the needs of existing and new neighborhoods.

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Collaborate with community partners to establish an Economic Mobility Resource Center. (Also noted in the Jobs section as #17 and #23) Encourage construction of Extremely Low Income (ELI) Housing. Support rental housing production through zoning and funding. Remove zoning barriers that prevent development of smaller housing units. Secure funding and partnerships to expand housing programs and resources.

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Implement an educational campaign promoting affordability applies to and benefits everyone. Counteract misinformation about affordable housing by celebrating stories of residents.

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Promote equitable and fair access to housing.

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Build a more inclusive community by empowering underrepresented voices.

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ELEVATE Morgan Hill

ELEVATE Morgan Hill

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